The Witch

[Robert Adam Gilmour]

I don't think empowering anyone was appropriate for the story.

[New Devilry]

It could have been done in a way that was appropriate for the story.

Thomasin's seduction over to the Dark Side based on promises of nice dresses and living deliciously made her seem like a much weaker, baser character than she's shown to be in the rest of the film.

Quote Originally Posted by Trau

It could have been done in a way that was appropriate for the story. Thomasin's seduction over to the Dark Side based on promises of nice dresses and living deliciously made her seem like a much weaker, baser character than she's shown to be in the rest of the film.

But then again, given the circumstances, what other option did she have save killing herself?

[Robert Adam Gilmour]

I don't much fancy anyone's decision making powers after they've killed their own mother.

[New Devilry]

Quote Originally Posted by Nirvana In Karma

But then again, given the circumstances, what other option did she have save killing herself?

I'm not sure that is the only option, but deciding to kill oneself rather than sell your soul to Satan and join his child-murdering cult? Quite a reasonable option to consider, in my opinion.

Hell, even having Black Phillip appeal to her isolation (you have no place to go, come with us and be free., etc.) would have been preferable to having her be tempted by trivial materials.

Quote Originally Posted by Robert Adam Gilmour

I don't much fancy anyone's decision making powers after they've killed their own mother.

Her increasingly unhinged and hateful mother attacked her, and probably would have killed her.

Quote Originally Posted by Trau

Hell, even having Black Phillip appeal to her isolation (you have no place to go, come with us and be free., etc.) would have been preferable to having her be tempted by trivial materials.

That would have certainly been a more interesting development, but if that particular motive was common in the historical source material, then I can understand why Eggers made that choice. However, there aren't any Q&A sessions or interviews with Eggers that I'm aware of that raise this point, so it could just as well have been short-sighted writing on his part.

On another note, The Witch will get a home-release in May and I'm very excited to watch it again. Even more exciting, the Internet speculates that the film will get the Criterion treatment since The Criterion Collection interviewed Eggers shortly before the film was released

[Robert Adam Gilmour]

Quote Originally Posted by Trau

Quote Originally Posted by Robert Adam Gilmour I don't much fancy anyone's decision making powers after they've killed their own mother. Her increasingly unhinged and hateful mother attacked her, and probably would have killed her.

What I meant was that after all she's been through (all her family dying or disappearing and all the scary stuff), I don't think she's in a good state to make good decisions.

[New Devilry]

Quote Originally Posted by Nirvana In Karma

That would have certainly been a more interesting development, but if that particular motive was common in the historical source material, then I can understand why Eggers made that choice. However, there aren't any Q&A sessions or interviews with Eggers that I'm aware of that raise this point, so it could just as well have been short-sighted writing on his part.

I'm leaning more toward the short-sighted writing, but you raise an interesting point about the historical sources. As a history buff, I'd love to see more discussion about their influence on the story, regardless of whether or not it touched on this particular topic!

Quote

On another note, The Witch will get a home-release in May and I'm very excited to watch it again. Even more exciting, the Internet speculates that the film will get the Criterion treatment since The Criterion Collection interviewed Eggers shortly before the film was released

That would be awesome if true!

Quote Originally Posted by Robert Adam Gilmour

What I meant was that after all she's been through (all her family dying or disappearing and all the scary stuff), I don't think she's in a good state to make good decisions.

Ah, I see. A fair point, but on first viewing, it still felt less "earned" that it could have been. Definitely look forward to a second viewing.

[Mr.Plores]

So happy you guys are discussing this movie. Unfortunately I saw a bad camrip on the interwebs and apparently missed some scenes. The one when the witch mushes the baby was blurry and I could barely see it. I will get it when it comes out on Blue Ray so I can see it properly.

The movie actually scared me more afterwards. It i definitely a movie that suggests more than what is actually shown.

But a few things got my atttention:

-Caleb's orgasmic death: Maybe someone more versed in the intricacies of christian theology can enlighten me. What was the deal with the sexual innuendo as the kid was dying? this must be based on some view of Jesus Christ as a "lover" and protector of some kind.

-The fathers tragic inadequacy: Only good for chopping wood. That was true, the man had good intentions, trying to be the appeaser in a situation that was getting more and more out of hand. I did not see him as evil but rather powerless in a situation where he was supposed to be in charge.

-What happened in the barn? Someone please explain it to me.

Ah! Thomasin. I agree, she was not empowered, the poor lass was doomed from the start. But as someone wrote here, what consolation is there to get from a god that lets you to rot in the wilderness?

The mother I think was a better example of the plight that women had to endure in that time. In a far away and savage land. She had probably been raised to take care of a "home" and serve in the community but she could neither. She was taken away from everything she loved. Then A-hole dad sells the only thing that kept her grounded in the civilized world. It was tough .

Great movie.

And yes, I would like to live deliciously.

[miguel1984]

I will watch this at the movie theater tonight. I am thrilled after hearing and reading only good things about it.